The biggest story other than the Nets' impressive win over an Eastern
Conference bellwether was a first-half brawl that resulted in the ejection of
three players, Boston's Rajon Rondo and Brooklyn's Kris Humphries and Gerald
Wallace.

With both Brooklyn starting forwards ejected late in the second quarter, it
opened more minutes for Stackhouse, Andray Blatche and Reggie Evans. Blatche
posted 17 points with 13 rebounds and Evans responded with five points and 10
boards for the Nets, who have won four straight.

Boston never got in sync, with or without Rondo, who saw his double-digit
assist streak halted at 37 straight games, tying him with former Utah Jazz
guard John Stockton for second on the all-time list. He finished with six
points and three assists, while Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett each scored 16
points for the Celtics, who saw their brief 2-game winning streak come to an
end.

Garnett was also involved in the brawl, as Humphries was whistled for a
hard foul against the Celtics forward on the baseline, including an extra push
that infuriated both Garnett and Rondo, who charged at Humphries and started a
brawl that included pushing, shoving and perhaps a swing or two. Garnett was
whistled for a technical along with the three ejections.